The Voracious Consumption Of Fashion

By Sharmin Musca, Personal Stylist on December 30, 2014 in Other

I admit I’m guilty of buying things I don’t need, like a silk jumpsuit I bought two years ago and only wore for the first time last week. For days I was high on my bang on-trend purchase, but before I could publicly air it my husband said, “Hmm, it’s not my favourite item in your wardrobe,” meaning he hated it, and, “Is it meant to look like that from the back?” meaning it made my bum looked bad. Not only that, he went on to suggest that I probably didn’t like it either.

I appreciated his honesty, but what would he know, right? It was a silk jumpsuit! Fast forward two years and not a single wear until last week when I was searching for a particular shirt and regretfully spied said jumpsuit. Could I have been so in love with it yet ignored it this long?

I guiltily spent ages styling it into a bum-flattering outfit and got the husband’s tick of approval, but it got me thinking about how voraciously we consume fashion. With so many ‘must have’ trends that are cheaply catered for by flash sales and fast fashion outlets like ASOS and Zara, there’s not enough motivation to tune into what you actually need.

I may have taken my eye off the ball for a bit but I’m refocusing on building my capsule wardrobe – a collection of considered, quality, staple pieces (like a perfectly fitted blazer, a white silk top, a pair of statement heels) – the mainstay of what I wear, to which I can add a few trend-led purchases and pieces with interesting detail or colour.

Those items that don’t fit the bill are going straight to charity. For me, selling clothes for next to nothing at garage sales or on eBay isn’t worth forgoing that good feeling you get when you pass on a great garment knowing that it’ll make another woman feel really good about herself when she otherwise couldn’t have afforded it.

Better still, I’m looking forward to passing on a bit more as I’m speaking at a corporate event next week for a charity called Fitted For Work. By helping women these less fortunate women develop their own sense of style and teaching them to take good care of themselves on the outside, they will feel strong and worthy on the inside.

On the streets this month I found…

Name: Ann
Lives: Bondi Junction
Occupation: Artist
Fave Item This Season: A light silk bomber jacket
Street Style: Ann rocks an ASOS top with fringe detail, Country Road jeans, Witchery belt, shoes from Seed and a vintage clutch.

Name: Dan
Lives: Bronte
Occupation: Salon owner at (One Room in Bronte)
Fave Item This Season: Light brown suede loafers by Gucci
Street Style: Dan is styling in his Harrolds suit, a shirt from Eden, Windsor shoes and a necklace from Gregory Jewellers.

Name: Katherine
Lives: Bronte
Occupation: Apprentice Hairdresser
Fave Item This Season: Alexander Wang studded duffel bag
Street Style: Katherine looks striking in her Top Shop UK playsuit, clutch and shoes from Zara, Witchery sunglasses, Emmanuel ear cuff and ByCharlotte necklace.